Nov 20, 2010

Here's To "The Lasts"

I must take a moment to stray from the outside into the inside; for today I am pondering “the lasts.” We have many lasts in our lifetime; but, what stinks, is that they intensify with age and become so,well, final. From our last day on the monkey bars….to the last time the Beatles performed together…to the last college final…to the last day in our first family home….the moments to stop and reflect grow longer and longer. The moments of sincere thankfulness grow deeper and deeper.

Today will be the last day that I ever wash my sons’ football pants. After about 12 years of football, I will use intense soaking in Oxy Clean for the FINAL time.

I have loved football since I was six years old when I began watching the Dallas Cowboys with my father. My high school football team was featured in the movie Friday Night Lights…and I guess, yes, in Texas, it is a religion. To have sons who played high school ball, and played it well, was one of the greatest joys of my life. We lost our playoff game last night and amidst tears and shock, I began to be hit with an intense, stomach gripping pain as THE LASTS set in.

Of course, last road trip...we get lost!!

So, with a sense of joy, I raise my apple juice glass this morning in honor of the LASTS. In this moment, I thank God for cold nights in the stands, warm peanuts and hot chocolate, road trips with good friends, homemade pies on country roads, drum lines, cheerleaders, mascots, the Stat Man and tough defensive stands. But, mostly for two little boys who walked on with helmets in hand and walked off as men, tears in their eyes, for the very last time.

6 comments:

Oh my gosh! You're making me tear up! I'm going through similar at my house. My oldest sons (twins) graduated last year and are now in college. My daughter graduates this year and then off to college and next year my youngest starts high school. You're right, as we get older, hopefully we focus more on what we're thankful for. It flies by. You look great by the way!!! ~Serene

oh, this is so poignant. I don't so much think of the "lasts" as they often happen without me realizing it, but I have been thinking I needed to add a Bucket List to my blog. Many of my readers do such interesting things and make it seem possible that I could too.

BLOG LIST MOVED

Hi Everyone, I have moved my favorite reading list to my MISSION PAGE. Just go to the top of the blog to find the page, then scroll to the bottom of the page to see my recommended reading list. Some great blogs and websites there! It is part of my mission that we all support one another!

Thanks to all the readers as well!!

Welcome to a New More Confident You!

I hope my journey will help many of you to get out of the doldrums and into life again! This is not just about fashion, but about enjoying what I believe is the most exciting time of your life. As we work on the outside, there will be many moments for healing on the inside. Please share this with others and follow over50feeling40 on Twitter and Face Book for great ideas and conversations!